Hi folks,

I have always found new car prices to be steep, no matter how far down the scale you go. That is why my very first car was a used 1966 VW MicroBus, last of the 6V electrical systems, it was bought in 1972. I also bought the maintenance manuals and kept it running through one engine rebuild to 1976. I put a lot of good miles with 28-30 MPG. Heck, if the MPG fell off, I knew I needed to do a 'tune-up'.

The classical approach for anyone who can not afford a new vehicle is to look at the used vehicles. We've had hybrid electrics in the USA since 2001 and though not in great supply, the supply continues to increase. Thanks to Ebay, you can find and buy one far away from your home (mine was over 800 miles away.)

In 2001, we didn't have a choice, it was a new hybrid or nothing. But in 2005, I bought a used, 49,300 mi, 2003, NHW11 Prius. I'm getting EPA mileage (see signature) for all of my miles, not just on 'selected' highway trips.

Along with the vehicle, I bought the maintenance manuals. It is both my daily transportation and my 'project' car. More importantly, it has given me 'lessons learned' so when (if) we buy a new hybrid, I'll know exactly what to get (today, TCH.)

But one lesson my used hybrid has verified is their relatively low wear. Unlike used gas vehicles bought in the past, this vehicle doesn't feel 'worn'. It might be the quieter, smooth ride. It might be the vehicle just isn't stressed as much as a gas model. The engine doesn't run for all of the odometer miles. Regardless, my used hybrid has been a great value.

Sure, 'used' is a four letter word but so too is 'mine.' If you really want a hybrid and have confidence in your own abilities, a used hybrid is a great buy.

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.

Very well said!

How much did you pay?

In my searching, depreciation is very low for hybrids. It is not as bad a deal buying a new hybrid as a new non-hybrid.

I used Ebay since I knew the local, used hybrid market was pretty bare:

$17,300 - 2003 Prius with 49,300 miles, located on the far side of Ft. Worth Texas.

After 11 months, I've passed 68,000 miles and am pretty happy. It took three weeks to find a deal that worked.

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.

When I was shopping around for hybrids ~17 months ago, I found a '04 Prius at the local Toyota dealer. They wanted more for it than what I wound up paying for my new '05 HCH. (The waiting list for a new Prius at the time was 9 months long. ) Don't know if that was a genuine blue-book price or a dealer ripoff.

Another fly in the ointment is the tax side. I got a deduction for that '05, and the spouse will get a credit for her '06 this year. Those breaks do not apply to used hybrids.

For what it's worth, here's my experience:
I walked in to a Toyota dealership last Saturday (9/2/06) and they had just received two used Prius on Wednesday as trades on new Prius. The 'loaded' one sold right away. Fortunately for me, the pkg #2 unit was in the bull pin to be cleaned up and put on the lot. I drove it, and bought it (there were 23 people ahead of me for a new Prius).
I bought a 2005 Prius with 25,000 miles for $22,015. I don't know if I got a good deal, or not, but a person must pay what the market will bear (right?).
I commute 90 miles/day. Today was my first commute and I realized 55 mpg (96% highway miles).
Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
BTW - Where can I get maintenance parts for my new ride (I'm looking for an air filter at the moment)? Also, is a K&N filter worth the investment? I plan on trading for a new Prius in two years.
Thanks for any advice. I'm incredibly happy with my new 'toy' and happy to be on this web site.
rb

Good job. You'll have fun!

Get your filters from the parts department in the service shop. They aren't that bad. But hold off on the K&N filter. It is really designed for engines that have to breath a lot more air. Prius breaths less . . . it doesn't have too.

Instead, concentrate on tire pressure (42/40 psi) and oil level (3/4 between F and E). Master your driving technique and you'll be good to go!

Welcome to the CLUB!

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.

i paid 6500 for a 2000 insight, plus some parts to fix it up (about 600 bux worth). 17,000 miles later i am very happy with it. its my daily driver, and my "toy". and in a year and a half it will be paid for in gas savings compared to my jeep grand wagoneer (12 mpg vs 66 overall). i still use the waggy though. the insight wont pull my boat .

2000 Honda Insight. Kenwood MP3 head unit, Blaupunkt door speakers, dual Cobalt amps, 3 MTX stealth subs, 4th very-high-mounted brake light, Sumitomo tires, yellow-top, hot induction air mod, tinted, SG2, MIMA, center armrest.


best tank 82 mpg

When I was shopping for a new car I was initially looking for a Prius. As I couldn't find a new one to test drive I went to a dealership that had two 2005 models (this was in late May this year). As I was interested in new and wound up with the TCH I didn't sit down for a serious talk about price. However, they were asking about the same price as you'd pay for a new one comparably equipped. And then you wouldn't have $3150 from Uncle Sam. So even if I had gotten several thousand off their asking price I'd still only be breaking even vs. a new one.

Hi Bob-san,

Very good article!
I think it's time for you to buy your own used 2004 Prius.

Ken@Japan